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Francis Ledwidge 1887-1917

Born in Slane, Co. Meath. He left school at a young age and worked as a labourer, miner and shop assistant. He was interested in poetry from an early age and his works include Songs of the Field, Songs of Peace and Complete Poems. He was a member of the Irish National Volunteers but he answered Redmond’s call and served with the 1st Battalion Inniskilling Fusiliers in the War. He was killed by a shell while laying planks on muddy terrain to make easier the movement of artillery and equipment. A memorial was erected at the spot on 31st July 1998. 

            Ledwidge is buried about 100 metres from where he fell, in Artillery Wood Cemetery. Photos by Marco Hoveling http://www.unfortunate-region.org

Further information, location and directions to the grave are to be found in "The End - An Illustrated Guide to the Graves of Irish Writers".  Click here to order a copy of this book